Sierra Leone Government Clarifies Travel Through Guinea: Citizens Are Not Banned

FREETOWN, August 21, 2026 — Sierra Leoneans travelling through Guinea have not been banned from entering or transiting the country, the Government of Sierra Leone has clarified, following concerns surrounding travel routes through Guinea.

In a public notice issued by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education on August 20, the Government said Sierra Leonean citizens with valid travel documents who meet Guinea’s immigration and security requirements may continue to travel through the country for legitimate purposes.

However, the Government stressed that restrictions apply to the use of Guinea as a transit route for irregular migration or overseas employment outside established legal procedures.

According to the notice, Guinean authorities have raised concerns over cases involving irregular migration, suspected human trafficking and unverified overseas employment arrangements.

Sierra Leoneans intending to travel abroad for employment have therefore been urged to follow all lawful recruitment, labour and immigration procedures before departure.

The Government specifically advised citizens to verify overseas employment arrangements through the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security and warned against using Guinea or other transit routes to bypass established procedures.

Authorities said following the proper process is intended to protect travellers from human trafficking, exploitation, fraudulent job offers and unnecessary travel difficulties.

Sierra Leoneans who encounter difficulties while travelling through Guinea have been advised to contact the Sierra Leone Embassy in Conakry on +224 621 048 214 for consular assistance.

The Government also said it will continue working with Guinean authorities and international partners to facilitate legitimate travel while protecting Sierra Leonean citizens.

Bottom line: Sierra Leoneans are not banned from travelling through Guinea. The warning is specifically targeted at irregular migration and overseas employment arrangements that do not follow the required legal procedures.

Source: MoICE